About the Organization
Spark Climate Solutions is a science-driven, philanthropically funded nonprofit focused on accelerating solutions to critical and under-addressed climate challenges.
Rather than backing single solutions, Spark builds entire fields—supporting research, markets, policy development, and talent—to ensure the most effective climate strategies are discovered and scaled.
Their work currently focuses on:
- Super pollutants from agriculture
- Warming-induced greenhouse gas emissions
- Methane removal
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About the Methane Removal Program
Methane contributes to approximately 30% of global warming, and even with reductions, emissions from sources like wetlands and permafrost are expected to persist.
Spark’s Methane Removal Program focuses on:
- Advancing research on methane removal pathways
- Assessing feasibility and scalability of solutions
- Coordinating global scientific and policy efforts
- Accelerating field development for long-term climate impact
Role Overview
This is a unique opportunity to shape the emerging field of biological methane removal, with a focus on microbial approaches such as methanotrophs.
- Job Title: Biological Methane Removal Scientist
- Location: Remote (Global – must overlap with Pacific Time by 4+ hours/day)
- Closing Date: Priority consideration by 26 April 2026 (Open until filled)
- Contract Type: Full-time, One-Year Appointment
- Salary: $110,000 – $125,000 USD annually
- Organization: Spark Climate Solutions
The role is structured in two phases:
- First 6 months: Landscape research and stakeholder engagement
- Next 6 months: Translating insights into funding strategy and grantmaking
You will work directly with the Methane Removal Program Director to identify high-impact research opportunities and accelerate innovation in this critical field.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research & Analysis
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on biological methane removal
- Identify key knowledge gaps and promising research directions
- Produce high-quality reports, white papers, and scientific outputs
Field Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build relationships with global researchers and institutions
- Represent Spark at conferences, workshops, and convenings
- Translate complex science into accessible insights for diverse audiences
Grant Development & Program Execution
- Design and launch funding solicitations based on research findings
- Manage the full grant lifecycle (outreach, review, evaluation, awards)
- Contribute to program communications and reporting
Strategic Program Support
- Provide scientific input into broader methane removal strategy
- Collaborate closely with internal teams and leadership
Position Goals
Months 1–6: Landscape Assessment
- Conduct in-depth research on methanotrophs and methane removal
- Map the research ecosystem and build key relationships
- Identify high-impact investment opportunities
- Deliver a strategic assessment report
Months 7–12: Funding & Implementation
- Develop funding calls and evaluation frameworks
- Lead proposal review and grant selection
- Communicate findings and outcomes to stakeholders
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry, environmental science, or related field
- 5+ years of research and/or professional experience (including graduate work)
- Strong ability to synthesize complex scientific literature
- Experience designing and executing independent research
- Familiarity with methane cycling, methanotrophs, or microbial systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Postdoctoral or equivalent applied research experience
- Experience in nonprofit, policy, or applied research environments
- Grant writing, evaluation, or research program development experience
- Existing network in methane removal or microbiology fields
- Ability to assess scalability, cost-effectiveness, and deployment feasibility
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $110,000 – $125,000 USD
- 90% employer-covered health insurance (75% for dependents)
- 401(k) matching
- Generous PTO, sick leave, and end-of-year closure
- Parental leave
- Annual national park pass
- Professional development opportunities
Working Conditions
- Fully remote role (global applicants considered with approval)
- Must overlap with Pacific Time for at least 4 hours daily
- Travel required: 3–4 times per year for team events and convenings
Why Join Spark Climate Solutions?
Joining Spark Climate Solutions means:
- Working at the frontier of climate innovation
- Shaping a new and emerging scientific field
- Collaborating with global experts and institutions
- Contributing directly to reducing high-impact greenhouse gas emissions
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How to Apply
- Submit your application via the official application portal
- Applications submitted by 26 April 2026 receive priority consideration
- Role remains open until filled
